JP2010231168A - Image blurring correction device, lens barrel, imaging device, and portable information terminal unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a miniaturizable image blurring correction device, a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a portable information terminal unit reducing the load generated in a friction sliding part to reduce quantity of power required for operation. <P>SOLUTION: This image blurring correction device for correcting image blurring by moving an imaging element 3 includes a fixed part 37, a movable part 1 holding the imaging element, a plurality of spherical members 58, 59, 61 provided between the fixed part 37 and the movable part 1 and supporting the movable part 1 to move within a face crossing an optical axis of lens for the fixed part 37, a magnetic energizing means for attracting the fixed part 37, the plurality of spherical members, and the movable part 1 for each other by magnetic attraction force to maintain a position of the movable part 1 temporarily, and a rotation regulation member 70 moving in one direction together with the movable part 1 and allowing only the movable part 1 to move in the direction crossing the one direction orthogonally to regulate rotation of the movable part 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image shake correction apparatus capable of correcting image shake when an image of a subject is picked up by an image pickup device and capturing a clear image, a lens barrel including the image shake correction apparatus, an image pickup apparatus, and a mobile phone. It relates to information terminals.

  Some image capturing apparatuses such as digital cameras include an image blur correcting apparatus because a sharp image cannot be captured when image blur occurs during photographing. Since the image blur correction apparatus is an original image pickup apparatus and is an apparatus added to the image pickup apparatus, a device has been devised to prevent the image pickup apparatus from becoming large by incorporating the image shake correction apparatus. Further, it is necessary to devise so that the amount of power required to drive the image blur correction device is as small as possible so that the power consumption battery does not become exhausted by adding the image blur correction device.

  Image blur correction apparatuses include a method for driving a correction lens and a method for driving an image sensor. The invention described in Patent Document 1 is an image shake correction device that drives a correction lens. The image shake correction lens, a movable member that holds the lens, and a fixed that restricts movement of the movable member in the optical axis direction. A member, at least three balls sandwiched between the movable member and the fixed member and movable relative to the movable member and the fixed member, and at least three restricting portions provided corresponding to the three balls And drive means for driving the movable member. Each of the at least three restricting portions is provided on the movable member or the fixed member to restrict the relative position of the ball within a predetermined range, and the size of each restricting range of the at least three restricting portions. Is such that the ball does not hit the restricting portion even if the ball moves from the center of the restriction range by half the maximum mechanical movement of the movable member or half of the maximum movement of the movable member during shake correction. ing.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, the support guide for the movable member that restricts the movement of the movable member holding the correction lens in the optical axis direction relative to the base member and guides the movement of the movable member in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. And an image blur correction apparatus having rotation preventing means for restricting rotation of the movable member around the optical axis so that a part of the rotation preventing means overlaps with the support guide means of the movable member when viewed from the optical axis direction. By adopting the arrangement, the image shake correction apparatus is reduced in size.

According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the components are arranged so as to spread outward in the radial direction around the optical axis, there is a problem that the area of the device viewed from the optical axis direction becomes large.
According to the invention described in Patent Document 2, an increase in the area viewed from the optical axis direction is suppressed by arranging the rotation preventing means so as to overlap with the support guide means of the movable member when viewed from the optical axis direction. However, there is a difficulty in increasing the thickness in the optical axis direction.

  The invention described in Patent Document 3 is a system for driving an image sensor, and includes a first movable frame having an image sensor mounted thereon and a first guide, and the first movable frame being movable in contact with the first guide. A second movable frame having a first guide shaft and a second guide to be supported; and a fixed frame having a second guide shaft which is in contact with the second guide and movably supports the second movable frame. The first guide shaft is made of a magnetic material, and the first movable frame is formed on the first guide shaft of the first movable frame on the first guide shaft. It has the permanent magnet which urges | biases in the direction which 1 guide shaft contacts. The rattling of the guide portion is eliminated by the magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnet.

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 3, the guide shaft and the movable frame that moves while being guided by the guide shaft are always in contact with each other by the magnetic attractive force, so that the movable frame can move smoothly. However, the invention described in Patent Document 3 requires a large magnetic attractive force because it is necessary to generate a magnetic attractive force that overcomes the weight of the movable part in order to prevent the movable part including the image sensor from rattling. Accordingly, the frictional resistance between the guide shaft and the sliding portion of the movable frame increases, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

The present invention eliminates the problems of the above-described technology, that is, corrects image blur by moving the image sensor in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. It is an object to provide an image shake correction device, a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a portable information terminal that can devise a structure so that the amount of force required for operation can be reduced.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image blur correction device, a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a portable information terminal capable of reducing both the area viewed from the optical axis direction and the thickness in the optical axis direction. It is in.

  The present invention is an image shake correction apparatus that includes an image pickup optical system and an image pickup element that converts a subject image derived from the image pickup optical system into an electric signal and corrects image shake by moving the image pickup element. An image sensor holding unit that holds the image sensor and moves together with the image sensor within a predetermined plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the image pickup optical system, and the image pickup optical system of the image sensor hold unit A position restricting portion that restricts the position in the optical axis direction, a guide portion that guides the image pickup device holding portion so as to be movable within a predetermined plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the image pickup optical system, and the image pickup device holding A drive unit that applies a biasing force to the unit, and the guide unit is supported by the fixed unit so as to be movable only in a first direction within the predetermined plane. , Provided in the first direction moving unit, A second direction guide portion that guides the element holding portion so as to be movable along a second direction within the predetermined plane, and the position restricting portion is the imaging element holding portion or the first direction moving portion. And a plurality of spherical members sandwiched between the fixed portion, and a movement range restricting portion that restricts a movement range of the spherical member within the predetermined plane, the imaging element holding portion, The most important feature is that it includes a tilt adjusting unit that holds the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis in a changeable manner.

The present invention is also an image shake correction apparatus that corrects image shake by moving an image sensor, and includes a fixed portion, a movable portion that holds the image sensor, and the fixed portion and the movable portion. A plurality of spherical members that support the movable portion so as to be movable in a plane perpendicular to the lens optical axis with respect to the fixed portion; and the movable portion moves in one direction together with the movable portion, and in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction, And a rotation restricting member that restricts rotation of the movable part by moving only the movable part.

The direction in which the rotation restricting member moves independently may be a vertical direction.
The movable part and the rotation restricting member may be provided with a ball movement restricting part that restricts a movement range of the spherical member by being fitted around the spherical member with an interval.
The spherical member movement restricting portion provided on the rotation restricting member has a thickness smaller than the diameter of the spherical member interposed between the fixed portion and the movable portion, and surrounds the periphery of the spherical member with a space margin. It is good to be.
The spherical member movement restricting portion provided on the rotation restricting member may be formed on a portion protruding from the rotation restricting member main body in the radial direction when viewed from the lens optical axis direction, or formed on the main body portion of the rotation restricting member. May be.
It is preferable to provide a magnetic urging means for adsorbing the fixed portion, the plurality of spherical members, and the movable portion with a magnetic attraction force.

  In an image blur correction apparatus that corrects image blur by moving an imaging element in a plane orthogonal to the lens optical axis, the movable frame moves lightly so that only the rolling resistance of the ball is applied when the movable frame 1 moves. In addition, in the image blur correction apparatus in which the magnetic attraction force is applied to the ball to prevent the movable frame 1 from rattling, the rotation prevention mechanism of the movable frame 1 and the position regulation mechanism in the optical axis direction are separated. As a result, the amount of force required to move the image sensor can be reduced, the power consumed by the image blur correction device can be reduced, and the life of the power supply battery can be extended.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of an image shake correcting apparatus according to the present invention from the back side of an image sensor. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the said Example from the surface side of an image pick-up element. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the said Example from the surface side of the image pick-up element shown in the state which decomposed | disassembled the rotation control member and the intermediate shaft. It is a rear view which shows the said Example in the state which removed the flexible circuit board. It is a perspective view which shows the said Example from the back side. It is a front view of the said Example. It is a rear view of the said Example. It is a front view which shows the said Example in the state which removed the base. It is a right view of the said Example. It is a rear view which shows the said Example in the state which removed the base. It is a disassembled perspective view from the front side which shows the said Example in the state which removed the base and isolate | separated the image pick-up element. It is the perspective view which looked at the movable frame in the said Example from the back surface side. It is the perspective view which looked at the above-mentioned movable frame from the surface side. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the said Example from the front side except the base. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the said Example from the back surface side except the base. It is a front view which shows one of the shaft fixing members in the said Example. It is a front view which shows another one of the shaft fixing members in the said Example. It is a front view which shows another one of the shaft fixing members in the said Example. It is sectional drawing which shows one of the rattle prevention mechanism in the said Example. It is sectional drawing which shows another one of the rattle prevention mechanism in the said Example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the example of the imaging lens barrel to which the image blurring correction apparatus which concerns on this invention is applied, with the lens accommodated. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a second embodiment of the image blur correction device according to the present invention with a rear yoke removed. It is a rear view which shows the base of the said 2nd Example. It is a rear view which removes a base and shows the said 2nd Example. It is a front view which removes a base and shows the said 2nd Example. It is a rear view which shows the rotation control member and intermediate shaft in the said 2nd Example. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Example of the image blurring correction apparatus which concerns on this invention from the back side. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the principal part of the said 3rd Example from the back side. It is a rear view which expands and shows the principal part of the said 3rd Example. It is a rear view of the third embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the principal part of the modification of the said 3rd Example. It is a rear view which expands and shows the principal part of another modification of the said 3rd Example. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the said modification. It is a side view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a top view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a perspective view which shows another modification of the said 3rd Example. It is a side view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a top view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a perspective view which shows another modification of the said 3rd Example. It is a side view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a top view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a perspective view which shows another modification of the said 3rd Example. It is a top view of the principal part of the said modification. It is a top view of the principal part of the said modification. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a fourth embodiment of the image blur correction device according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the malfunction at the time of contact | abutting of the image pick-up element holding | maintenance part with respect to a fixing | fixed part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the contact surface which can eliminate the malfunction at the time of contact of the image pick-up element holding | maintenance part with respect to a fixing | fixed part. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the contact surface which can eliminate the malfunction at the time of contact of the image pick-up element holding | maintenance part with respect to a fixing | fixed part.

  Embodiments of an image blur correction device, a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a portable information terminal according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, an example of a lens barrel in which an image shake correction apparatus according to the present invention is incorporated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is an example of a retractable lens barrel, and shows a state in which the photographing lens is housed in the image pickup apparatus main body. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 47 denotes a cylindrical fixing member fixed to the body of an imaging apparatus such as a camera. A lens driving mechanism 44 is incorporated on the inner peripheral side of the fixing member 47. The lens driving mechanism 44 includes, for example, a rotating cylinder that is rotationally driven by a motor and moves forward and backward with respect to the fixing member 47, a rectilinear cylinder that moves straight in the optical axis direction together with the rotating cylinder, a lens holding frame, a shutter mechanism 43, and the like. . A rectilinear groove in the optical axis direction is formed in the rectilinear cylinder, and a cam groove is formed in the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotary cylinder. The lens holding frame and shutter mechanism 43 are provided with cam followers, and these cam followers pass through the rectilinear grooves and fit into the cam grooves. The taking lens 42 is held by the lens holding frame.

  In the housed state shown in FIG. 21, when the power switch of the imaging apparatus is turned on, the rotating cylinder is driven to rotate, the rotating cylinder is extended in the optical axis direction, and the rectilinear cylinder is also linear in the optical axis direction. It is drawn out in a shape. The intersecting position of the cam groove of the rotating cylinder and the rectilinear groove of the rectilinear cylinder moves in the optical axis direction, and the lens holding frame and the shutter mechanism 43 in which the cam follower is fitted at the intersecting position are extended. Since the photographic lens 42 is fitted in the lens holding frame, the photographic lens 42 is also extended together with the lens holding frame, so that the photographing is ready. Depending on the configuration of the taking lens system, there is a system in which another lens advances behind the lens 42 in accordance with the above-described feeding operation. Furthermore, as is well known, there is also a zoom lens in which the focal length of the lens system changes continuously by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. Since the configuration of the lens system and the configuration of the lens driving mechanism may be known ones, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  An image blur correction device including a base 37, a rear yoke 40, an image sensor fixing frame 45, and the like is incorporated in the rear part of the lens barrel. This image blur correction apparatus is a method for correcting image blur by controlling the position of the image sensor fixing frame 45 together with the image sensor based on an image blur detection signal. Specific examples will be described below.

  1 to 20 show a first embodiment of an image blur correction apparatus. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 20, a base 37 that is a fixed portion sandwiches the movable frame 1 that is a movable portion between the base member 37 and a plate-like rear yoke 40, and the movable frame 1 is orthogonal to the photographing optical axis. It is supported so as to be movable within the surface to be moved. The movable frame 1 integrally holds an image sensor fixed frame 45 that integrally holds an image sensor 3 such as a CCD as an “image sensor holder” via an angle (tilt) adjustment mechanism that will be described later. Yes. A window hole is formed in the base 37, and many components such as the movable frame 1, the image sensor fixing frame 45, and the image sensor 3 are located in the window hole. The rear yoke 40 has an appropriate number of positioning holes 54 and is positioned on the base 37 by fitting these positioning holes 54 to the positioning projections of the base 37, and between the base 37 and the movable frame 5. It is attached so as to sandwich. In FIG. 1, symbol O indicates the optical axis. In FIG. 1, the right side is the subject side.

  The image sensor fixing frame 45 is movable along the vertical intermediate shaft 9 rising integrally from the rotation restricting member 70, and the rotation restricting member 70 is attached to horizontal shafts 48 and 49 fixed to the base 37. It can move along. Therefore, the image sensor fixing frame 45 and the image sensor 3 held thereby can move in two axial directions orthogonal to each other. In addition, a position restriction mechanism in the optical axis direction using a magnetic attraction force is incorporated to prevent the image sensor 3 from being displaced in the optical axis direction. Hereinafter, the biaxial drive mechanism of the image sensor fixing frame 45, the rotation prevention mechanism of the image sensor 3, and the position restriction mechanism in the optical axis direction will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a rotation restricting member 70 is disposed at the lower end of the movable frame 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation restricting member 70 has a horizontally long main body portion, slit-shaped shaft support portions 71 and 72 are formed at both ends in the length direction of the main body portion, and a vertical position is provided in the vicinity of the shaft support portion 71. A direction axial hole 73 is formed. The shaft support portions 71 and 72 receive the horizontal shafts 48 and 49 fixed to the lower portion of the window hole of the base 37 and guide the movement of the rotation restricting member 70 in the horizontal direction. A bearing member 7 (see FIG. 17) is fitted into the shaft support portions 71 and 72 of the rotation restricting member 70 and fixed by adhesion. Each bearing member 7 is a plate-shaped small piece as shown in FIG. 17, and a release groove-shaped bearing portion is formed. By sandwiching the horizontal shafts 48 and 49 between this bearing portion and one surface of the rotation regulating member 70, The rotation restricting member 70 can move along the horizontal axes 48 and 49. The rotation restricting member 70 is a “first direction moving portion”.

  A portion near the lower end of the vertical intermediate shaft 9 is slidably fitted in the shaft hole 73 of the rotation restricting member 70. A lower end portion of the intermediate shaft 9 is fixed to a shaft fixing portion at one corner portion of the lower end of the movable frame 1 by a shaft fixing member 8. The shaft fixing member 8 is a small plate-shaped piece as shown in FIG. 16, has a shaft hole at one end portion, and the other end portion is a fitting fixing portion to the movable frame 1. This fitting and fixing part is fitted into the shaft fixing part of the movable frame 1 and fixed to the movable frame 1 by adhesion. The lower end portion of the intermediate shaft 9 is fitted into the shaft hole of the shaft fixing member 8 and fixed integrally. In this way, the intermediate shaft 9 rises from the movable frame 1, and the intermediate shaft 9 passes through the shaft hole 73 of the rotation restricting member 70 as described above and fits into a groove formed on one surface side of the movable frame 1. It reaches the upper end of the movable frame 1. The upper end portion of the intermediate shaft 9 is fixed to the movable frame 1 at the upper end portion of the movable frame 1 with the shaft fixing member 25 shown in FIGS. The shaft fixing member 25 is a plate-like small piece having a shaft hole at one end, and the other end is fitted to the movable frame 1 and fixed to the movable frame 1 by adhesion. The upper end portion of the intermediate shaft 9 is fitted into the shaft hole of the shaft fixing member 25, and the intermediate shaft 9 is integrally attached to the movable frame 1. The intermediate shaft 9 is a “second guide portion” that guides the movable frame 1 so as to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the horizontal axes 48 and 49.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotation restricting member 70 is positioned between the movable frame 1 and the base 37 at a position near the lower end of the movable frame 1, and is guided by horizontal shafts 48 and 49 to be horizontal. Can move in the direction. When the rotation restricting member 70 moves in the horizontal direction, the intermediate shaft 9 penetrating the rotation restricting member 70 in the vertical direction also moves in the horizontal direction, and the movable frame 1 guided along the intermediate shaft 9 also moves in the horizontal direction. It is supposed to be. Accordingly, the movable frame 1 can move both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction with respect to the base 37, and the imaging device fixed frame 45 attached to the movable frame 1 and the imaging supported by the imaging device fixed frame 45. The element 3 can move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The rotation restricting member 70, the intermediate shaft 9, and the horizontal axes 48 and 49 constitute a rotation restricting mechanism that restricts the image pickup device 3 from rotating around the optical axis.

  If only the structure in which the movable frame 1 is guided by the horizontal axis and the vertical axis, the position of the movable frame 1 in the optical axis direction may fluctuate due to play or the like. Therefore, a position regulating mechanism in the optical axis direction using a magnetic attractive force as described below is incorporated. Ball receiving plates 38, 39 and 41 made of a non-magnetic material are provided at three locations on the surface of the base 37 facing the movable frame 1, and spherical members of the same diameter made of a magnetic material are provided at the positions of these ball receiving plates. That is, balls 58, 59, 61 are arranged. Ball movement restricting portions 5 and 16 are formed on the movable frame 1 at positions facing the ball receiving plates 38 and 39, and a ball movement restricting portion 10 is formed on the rotation restricting member 70 at a position facing the ball receiving plate 41. Has been. These ball movement restricting portions are made of window-shaped holes larger than the diameters of the balls 58, 59 and 61. The ball movement restricting portion 10 of the rotation restricting member 70 is formed in a portion that protrudes downward from the main body portion of the rotation restricting member 70 in FIG. 3 and thus away from the optical axis.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the image sensor fixing frame 45 and the rotation restricting member 70 are closest to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped receiving hole 88 described later is arranged in a triangle connecting the centers of the three ball position restricting portions with straight lines. The receiving hole 88 is provided to position the image sensor fixing frame 45 at a fixed position by the pin 86 of the center position correction locking lever 85 coming into contact with the receiving hole 88. By arranging the receiving hole 88 in the triangle, the pin 86 can be stably locked when the movable frame 1 is locked by contacting the receiving hole 88. Further, when the receiving hole 88 is disposed in the triangle, a range in which the receiving hole 88 can be disposed by forming the ball movement restricting portion 10 in a portion protruding outward in the radial direction when viewed from the optical axis direction. Can be spread. In this embodiment, three sets of ball movement restricting portions and balls are provided, but at least three sets may be used. When there are four or more sets of ball movement restriction portions and balls, the receiving holes 88 are preferably arranged in the largest polygon formed by connecting the centers of the ball movement restriction portions with straight lines.

  A more detailed configuration of the position restricting mechanism in the optical axis direction by the magnetic attractive force provided in three places in this way will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 shows a position restricting mechanism in the optical axis direction composed of the ball 58 and the ball movement restricting portion 5, but the position restricting mechanism in the optical axis direction consisting of the ball 59 and the ball movement restricting portion 16 has the same configuration. In FIG. 19, the ball receiving plate 38 of the base 37 is a non-magnetic plate fixed to the surface of the base 37, and a magnet 76 is fixed to the back side of the receiving plate 38. A magnetic attractive force is generated in the magnet 58 and the ball 58 made of a magnetic material. A magnetic plate 78 is fixed to the ball movement restricting portion 5 of the movable frame 1, and the ball 58 comes into contact with the magnetic plate 78. A magnetic attractive force is generated in the ball 58 made of the magnet 76 and the magnetic material, and a magnetic attractive force is also generated between the ball 58 and the magnetic plate 78. Due to this magnetic attraction force, the ball 58 is always in contact with the ball receiving plate 38 and the movable frame 1 is always in contact with the ball 58, so that the displacement of the movable frame 1 in the optical axis direction is prevented. In addition, the ball 58 is allowed to move relative to the base 37 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the movable frame 1. If the magnetic attractive force is too strong, the resistance when the movable frame 1 moves with respect to the base 37 becomes large. Therefore, the thickness of the ball receiving plate 38 made of a non-magnetic plate is set so that an appropriate magnetic attractive force is obtained. Adjust it.

  Next, a position restricting mechanism in the optical axis direction composed of the ball 61 and the ball movement restricting portion 10 of the rotation restricting member 70 will be described. In FIG. 20, the ball receiving plate 41 of the base 37 is a non-magnetic plate fixed to the surface of the base 37, and a magnet 79 is fixed to the back side of the receiving plate 41. A magnetic attractive force is generated in the magnet 61 and the ball 61 made of a magnetic material. The rotation restricting member 70 is formed with a window hole-shaped ball movement restricting portion 10 at a position facing the ball receiving plate 41, and the ball movement restricting portion 10 has a space around the ball 61, that is, at an appropriate interval. Is enclosed. The thickness of the ball movement restricting portion 10 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 61, and a part of the ball 61 protrudes from the ball movement restricting portion 10. The ball 61 protruding from the ball movement restricting portion 10 is in contact with the magnetic plate 80 embedded in the movable frame 1 so as to face the ball movement restricting portion 10. A magnetic attractive force is generated in the magnet 79 and the ball 61, and a magnetic attractive force is also generated between the ball 61 and the magnetic plate 80. Due to this magnetic attraction force, the ball 61 is always in contact with the ball receiving plate 41 and the movable frame 1 is always in contact with the ball 61, so that the displacement of the movable frame 1 in the optical axis direction is prevented. Further, the ball 61 is allowed to move relative to the base 37 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the movable frame 1. If the magnetic attractive force is too strong, the resistance when the movable frame 1 moves with respect to the base 37 is increased. Therefore, the thickness of the ball receiving plate 41 made of a nonmagnetic plate is set so as to obtain an appropriate magnetic attractive force. Adjust it.

  By the magnet 76, the ball and the magnetic plate 78 are attracted to a position where the magnet has the largest magnetic force (a position in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis). The center position correction locking lever 85 locks the movable frame 1 at the initial position by adjusting the positions of the protrusion 86 and the receiving hole 88 of the center position correction locking lever 85 so that this state becomes the initial position. The ability to do this can be reduced.

  A vertical driving magnet 51 that is long in the horizontal direction is fixed to the base 37 along the upper edge portion of the window hole, and a horizontal driving magnet 52 that is long in the vertical direction is fixed along one side edge portion of the window hole. (See FIG. 1). Also on the base 37, a vertical drive magnet 62 is fixed to face the vertical drive magnet 51, and a horizontal drive magnet 63 is fixed to face the horizontal drive magnet 52 (see FIG. 2). The vertical drive magnets 51 and 62 are polarized in the vertical direction and magnetized, and the horizontal drive magnets 52 and 63 are polarized in the horizontal direction and magnetized. Further, the opposite poles of the opposite magnets face each other, and a magnetic field is formed between the opposite magnets. The rear yoke 40 is made of a magnetic plate, and reduces the magnetic resistance of a magnetic circuit formed by the opposing drive magnets. The magnets 51 and 52 on the base 37 side are fixed to yokes 82 and 83 fixed to the base 37, respectively, so that the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit is reduced even with the base 37 made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. is doing.

  The vertical drive coil 4 is integrally attached to the movable frame 1 so as to face both the vertical drive magnets 51 and 62, that is, sandwiched between the magnets 51 and 62. The vertical drive coil 4 has a conductive wire wound in a rectangular shape corresponding to the vertical drive magnets 51 and 62 in the horizontal direction, and a vertical thrust is generated by the horizontal conductive wire portion. Further, the horizontal driving coil 15 is attached to the movable frame 1 so as to face the horizontal driving magnets 52 and 63, that is, sandwiched between the magnets 52 and 63. The horizontal drive coil 15 is opposed to the horizontal drive magnets 52 and 63 and has a conductive wire wound in a rectangular shape corresponding to the horizontal drive magnets 52 and 63 in the vertical direction. The vertical conductive wire portion generates horizontal thrust. It is supposed to occur.

  The movable frame 1 moves in the vertical direction by controlling the energization to the vertical drive coil 4, and the movable frame 1 moves in the horizontal direction by controlling the energization to the horizontal drive coil 15. The movement range of the movable frame 1 is restricted within a range in which the balls 58, 59, 61 can move within the three ball movement restriction portions 5, 10, 16. Each of the drive coils and a magnet facing them constitute a drive unit that applies an urging force to the image sensor holding unit.

  A vertical position detecting magnet 65 (see FIG. 2) polarized vertically is fixed to the surface of the rear yoke 40 facing the movable frame 1, and the vertical position is positioned on the movable frame 1 at a position facing the vertical position detecting magnet 65. A detection magnetic sensor 66 (see FIG. 1) is attached. Further, a horizontal position detecting magnet 67 (see FIG. 2) polarized to the left and right is fixed to a surface of the rear yoke 40 facing the movable frame 1, and the movable frame 1 is positioned at a position facing the horizontal position detecting magnet 67. A horizontal position detection magnetic sensor 68 (see FIG. 1) is attached. The magnetic sensors 66 and 68 are composed of Hall elements, for example. The energization control to the vertical drive coil 4 and the horizontal drive coil 15 is performed while taking into account the position of the movable frame 1 detected by the outputs of the magnetic sensors 66 and 68, based on a camera shake detection signal from an acceleration sensor (not shown). Is called.

  An image sensor fixing frame 45 holding the image sensor 3 is attached to the movable frame 1. However, since the imaging surface of the image sensor 3 needs to be accurately opposed to the optical axis, the movable frame 1 and the image sensor are fixed. An angle adjustment mechanism is interposed between the frame 45 and the frame 45. The angle adjustment mechanism can also be called an inclination adjustment mechanism of the image sensor 3. Hereinafter, the angle adjustment mechanism will be described. 10 to 15, the image pickup device 3 and the magnetic sensors 66 and 68 are fitted and fixed to the image pickup device fixing frame 45 while being mounted on the flexible circuit board 14. The image sensor fixing frame 45 is in contact with the movable frame 1 at three points. One point is a position-invariant fulcrum, and the other two points are variable in position. By adjusting these two variable positions, the height of the point where the image sensor fixed frame 45 and the movable frame 1 abut on each other is adjusted. The angle of the image sensor holding unit is adjusted by changing the height.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the image sensor fixing frame 45 has a horizontally long rectangular frame shape, and the image sensor 3 is received and fixed in the frame. The movable frame 1 is formed with a window hole for receiving the image sensor fixing frame 45. A projection 455 (see FIG. 15) that is a fulcrum and has a hemispherical tip is formed at the center position in the vertical direction on the outside of one end in the longitudinal direction of the image sensor fixing frame 45. A square-shaped projecting piece is integrally formed on one side edge of the window hole of the movable frame 1, and a conical receiving hole 111 is formed on the projecting piece at a position facing the projection 455. (See FIG. 14). The tip of the projection 455 of the image sensor fixing frame 45 is fitted in the receiving hole 111 so that the image sensor fixing frame 45 can be wound with the contact point between the receiving hole 111 and the projection 455 as a fulcrum. Thereby, the inclination of the image sensor 3 with respect to the optical axis can be adjusted.

  One end of the image sensor fixing frame 45 is attracted to the movable frame 1 by the leaf spring 17 in order to enable angle adjustment while maintaining the fitting between the receiving hole 111 and the protrusion 455. The leaf spring 17 is bent at both ends in the length direction at approximately 90 degrees in the same direction. Engagement holes 171 and 172 are formed in the bent portions, respectively, so that they are gently curved as a whole. A projecting portion is formed on one end of the image sensor fixing frame 45 toward the outside, and engaging protrusions 453 and 454 for fitting the engaging holes 171 and 172 are formed above and below the projecting portion. The leaf spring 17 is inserted into one side portion of the window hole of the moving frame 1 with the longitudinal direction being the vertical direction, and the engagement holes 171 and 172 are fitted into the engagement protrusions 453 and 454 of the image sensor fixing frame 45. Yes. The leaf spring 17 attracts the image sensor fixing frame 45 by sandwiching the protruding portion provided with the receiving hole 111 of the movable frame 1 between the image sensor fixing frame 45, and the receiving hole 111 and the protrusion 455. It is designed to maintain the fit.

  Cam followers 451 and 452 are formed on the imaging element fixing frame 45 at the tip of the arm integrally extending from the imaging element fixing frame 45 above and below the projection 455 forming side. Cam members 33, 29 are attached to the movable frame 1 at positions almost opposite to the cam followers 451, 452, and the cam followers 451, 452 abut against the cam surfaces of the cam members 33, 29 by an urging force of a spring 50 described later. It touches. The cam members 33 and 29 are attached to a shaft hole formed on the surface facing the image sensor fixing frame 45 so as to be rotatable and the rotation position can be arbitrarily adjusted. Is a spiral cam surface, that is, a cam surface whose axial height continuously changes.

  The movable frame 1 is integrally formed with a spring hook 74 that extends outward at the end on the cam member 33, 29 attachment side and in the middle portion in the vertical direction. It is hung. The spring 50 is a wire spring, and its central portion is a circular winding portion, and this winding portion is fitted to the spring hook 74. One end portion 501 of the spring 50 extends linearly, whereas the other end portion 502 of the spring 50 is bent obliquely in a plane parallel to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3. A groove 455 for receiving one end 501 of the spring 50 and a groove 456 for receiving the other end 502 of the spring 50 are formed in the image sensor fixing frame 45. These grooves 455 and 456 are formed on the surface opposite to the cam follower 451 or 452 forming surface of the arm integrally extending from above and below one end of the image sensor fixing frame 45. Therefore, the cam follower 451, 452 formation side of the image sensor fixing frame 45 is pressed toward the movable frame 1 side by the urging force of the spring 50, and the cam follower 451, 452 contacts the cam surface of the cam members 33, 29. The movement of the image sensor fixing frame 45 by the urging force is restricted.

  In this way, a line connecting the contact point between the receiving hole 111 and the projection 455 and the contact point between the cam followers 451 and 452 and the cam members 33 and 29 forms an isosceles triangle. When the rotational positions of the cam members 33 and 29 are adjusted by a screwdriver or the like, the tilt of the image sensor fixed frame 45 and the image sensor 3 fixed to the image sensor fixed frame 45 is adjusted using the contact point between the receiving hole 111 and the protrusion 455 as a fulcrum. be able to. If one of the cam members 33 and 29 is adjusted, the vertical inclination of the image sensor fixing frame 45 can be adjusted. If both the cam members 33 and 29 are adjusted in the same direction, the left and right direction of the image sensor fixing frame 45 is adjusted. Can be adjusted. The cam members 33 and 29 are adjusted so that the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 faces the optical axis with high accuracy.

  When the power switch of the image pickup apparatus is turned on for shooting or when the switch of the image shake prevention apparatus is turned on, the image sensor fixing frame 45 is assumed to be in a position deviated from the neutral point. Depending on the correction movement direction, a large stroke is required, and quick image blur correction cannot be performed. Therefore, a center position correcting mechanism as described below is provided.

  1 to 10, a center position correction locking lever 85 is attached to the lower portion of the base 37. The base end portion of the center position correction locking lever 85 is linked to a drive mechanism (not shown). When this drive mechanism is operated, the center position correction locking lever 85 moves relative to the surface of the base 37 without changing the posture. It is configured to approach and leave. The center position correction locking lever 85 rises in an oblique direction parallel to the surface of the movable frame 1, and a pin 86 projects from the distal end portion of the central position correction locking lever 85 toward the movable frame 1. In the movable frame 1, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped receiving hole 88 is formed at a position facing the pin 86. The receiving hole 88 extends in a range that is the same as or wider than the moving range of the image sensor fixing frame 45 so that the pin 86 can be received at any position of the image sensor fixing frame 45. . The center position correction locking lever 85 and a driving mechanism (not shown) also function as a locking portion that locks the image sensor fixing frame 45 so that it does not move when contacting the image sensor fixing frame 45.

  The center position correction locking lever 85 approaches the base 37 by a drive mechanism including a motor (not shown) when the power switch of the imaging apparatus is turned off or when the operation of the image blur correction mechanism is turned off. Driven in the direction (direction toward the subject in the optical axis direction). By this operation (locking operation), the pin 86 is fitted into the receiving hole 88, and the imaging element fixing frame 45 is moved by the component force generated by the pin 86 coming into contact with the inclined surface of the receiving hole 88. By reaching the bottom of the receiving hole 88, the image sensor fixing frame 45 stops at a fixed position, that is, at the center position of the movement range. In this state, the center position correction locking lever 85 locks the image sensor fixing frame 45, and the image sensor fixing frame 45 does not move.

  The center position correction locking lever 85 is oriented away from the base 37 by a drive mechanism including a motor (not shown) when the power switch of the imaging apparatus is turned on or when the operation of the image blur correction mechanism is turned on ( Driven in the direction of the optical axis). By this operation (lock release operation), the pin 86 and the receiving hole 88 do not come into contact with each other, and the image sensor fixing frame 45 becomes movable. At the same time as this unlocking operation is performed or before this unlocking operation is performed, control is performed so that the position of the image sensor fixing frame is positioned at the initial position by passing a current through the coil. May be.

  According to the embodiment described above, the image sensor fixed frame 45 and the movable frame 1 to which the image sensor 3 is fixed move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis while the position in the optical axis direction is regulated by the ball. Therefore, the friction between the guide shaft and the support portion of the guide shaft need only be friction by restricting the rotation of the movable portion in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. There is little friction in the direction of the optical axis. Therefore, the amount of force required for the operation of the movable frame 1 can be reduced.

  In short, in the embodiment described above, only when the movable frame 1 moves, only the rolling resistance of the ball is applied so that the movable frame moves lightly, and a magnetic attractive force is applied to the ball so that the movable frame 1 is moved. In the image blur correction apparatus for preventing rattling, the rotation prevention mechanism for the movable frame 1 and the position regulation mechanism in the optical axis direction are separated. As a result, the amount of force required to move the movable frame 1 can be reduced, the power consumed by the image blur correction device can be reduced, and the life of the power supply battery can be extended.

  In an image blur correction apparatus that corrects image blur by moving the image sensor in a plane orthogonal to the lens optical axis, the fixed part, the plurality of spherical members, and the movable part are mutually attracted by a magnetic attraction force to capture an image. Since the element holding portion is provided with the position restricting means in the optical axis direction, the position of the imaging element in the optical axis direction can be stably maintained. The movable portion moves in one direction together with the movable portion and does not move in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction, but includes a rotation restricting member that restricts the rotation of the movable portion, so the movable portion is orthogonal to the moving direction. The amount of power when moving in the direction can be reduced, and the power consumed by the image blur correction device can be reduced and the life of the power source battery can be extended.

  Further, if the spherical member movement restricting portion provided on the rotation restricting member is formed in the main body portion of the rotation restricting member, the spherical member movement restricting portion as viewed from the optical axis direction is prevented from protruding outward in the radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the image blur correction device, and it is possible to reduce the size of the lens barrel, the imaging device, and the portable information terminal including the image blur correction device.

  Next, a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 to 26 will be described. In either the first embodiment or the second embodiment, one of the rattling prevention mechanisms provided at three locations has a ball movement restricting portion provided on the rotation restricting member 70. In the first embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and the like, the ball movement restricting portion 10 provided on the rotation restricting member 70 is lower than the main body portion of the rotation restricting member 70 in the drawing, that is, the light. A ball receiving plate 41 and the like are disposed at a position corresponding to the ball movement restricting portion 10 provided at a position projecting outward in the radial direction around the axis. This is because the image sensor fixing frame 45 is stably supported by moving the three position restricting mechanisms in the optical axis direction away from each other. However, with such a configuration, there is a problem that the area of the image blur correction device viewed from the optical axis direction becomes large. In the second embodiment, this difficulty is eliminated. Since most of the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same components and the same functional portions are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the rotation restricting member 70 in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting member 70 is not provided with an overhanging portion for providing the ball movement restricting portion 10 toward the outside. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball movement restricting portion 10 is formed of a main body portion that is long in the horizontal direction, and is formed with a window hole-like through hole. Similar to the rotation restricting member 70 in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting member 70 has shaft support portions 71 and 72 for receiving the horizontal direction shafts 48 and 49 at both ends, and in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the shaft support portion 71. The position near the lower end of the intermediate shaft 9 is integrally held. A ball 61 made of a magnetic material is disposed in the ball movement restricting portion 10, and a receiving plate 41 and a magnet are fixed to the back surface side of the base 37 at a position facing the ball movement restricting portion 10. A magnetic plate 80 is fixed to the frame 1 at a position facing the ball movement restricting portion 10. In this way, the ball 61 and the receiving plate 41, the ball 61 and the magnetic plate 80 are attracted to each other by the magnetic attraction force of the magnet, and the optical axis direction between the base 37 and the movable frame 1 is prevented from shaking. The movement range of the movable frame 1 is restricted by the ball movement restriction unit 10. In FIG. 22, the vertical direction is indicated by an arrow Y and the horizontal direction is indicated by an arrow X. Since the configuration other than the configuration described above is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the second embodiment, since the ball movement restricting portion 10 is provided in the main body portion of the rotation restricting member 70, the ball movement restricting portion 10 faces outward in the radial direction when the image blur correction device is viewed from the optical axis direction. And the image blur correction device can be further reduced in size.

  By the way, in an imaging apparatus incorporating an image blur correction apparatus, in order to reduce the size, a flexible circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as a flexible circuit board) is used between an imaging element and a control apparatus that processes image data output by the imaging element. It is electrically connected by “FPC”). This is because the FPC can be arranged in a slight gap or a winding gap, which is effective for making the apparatus compact. As for FPC, it is normal that one end is connected to an image sensor, the other end is connected to a control device, and the middle is bent. However, in the method of correcting the image blur by moving the image sensor, the image sensor moves due to the image blur correction. Therefore, every time the image sensor moves, the rotational force around the optical axis, the optical axis by the reaction force of the FPC Rotational force in a direction perpendicular to the image sensor is applied to the image sensor and the movable frame holding the image sensor. The movable frame is provided with a predetermined play between the guide frame and the like in order to enable movement.

  Therefore, when the movable frame is near the limit of the predetermined movable range, the movable frame rotates in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by the reaction force of the FPC, and the contact position of the movable frame with respect to the fixed portion, that is, the movement limit position is Not determined. FIG. 46 illustrates this, and shows a state in which the movable member rotates about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis O (in FIG. 46, an axis perpendicular to the paper surface). It is assumed that the flat one end face 110 abuts on the flat abutment face 120 of the fixed portion. The moving direction of the movable frame is a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 120 as indicated by an arrow. There is no problem if the flat end surface of the movable member contacts the contact surface 120 without rotating. However, if the movable member is rotated by an angle θ as shown in FIG. 46 due to the reaction force of the FPC, the corner of the end surface of the movable member hits the contact surface 120, and the actual contact position A with respect to the design contact position A The contact position B is shifted, and the designed movable range and the actual movable range are different. As a result, an error of the position detector occurs, and an incorrect command is issued to the control device, so that the accuracy of image blur correction is deteriorated.

  A force for rotating the movable frame around the optical axis also acts by the reaction force of the FPC. When a force is exerted to rotate the movable frame around the optical axis, if it comes into contact with the contact surface of the fixed part, a large rotational moment is applied to the guide shaft etc. that supports the movable frame so that it can move. In addition, the shaft and the bearing may be deformed, and the image blur correction accuracy may deteriorate due to an increase in frictional resistance.

In a method of performing image blur correction by moving a lens, one that regulates rotation of a lens moving frame is known (see, for example, Patent Document 4). However, the lens does not move while dragging an FPC composed of several tens or more signal lines like an image sensor, for example, only drags a few lines of a coil constituting an actuator, and the reaction force of the FPC Since it is extremely small, there is almost no need to consider rotation, and no special device is required to add a rotation restricting structure, and it is not so difficult. In that respect, since the present invention is a method of correcting the image blur by moving the image sensor, it is necessary to apply a special device different from the invention described in Patent Document 4 to the movement restricting structure of the image sensor. .
The third embodiment described below is characterized by including a stopper for reducing or eliminating the force for rotating the image sensor.

  Before describing the configuration of the third embodiment, three axes orthogonal to each other will be described. In FIG. 27, the Z axis is the optical axis of the photographic lens, and the X axis and the Y axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other and also orthogonal to the Z axis. The X axis is the same direction as the horizontal axes 48 and 49 in the above embodiment, and the Y axis is the same direction as the intermediate shaft 9 in the vertical direction. The position where the central axis in the X and Y directions and the Z axis, which is the optical axis, is the origin of the image sensor holding unit for image blur correction.

  28, 29, and 30, cam members 29 and 33 are attached to the movable frame 1 (that is, the image sensor holding portion) that integrally holds the image sensor with the image sensor fixed frame interposed therebetween. Protrusions 91 are respectively formed on the base 100 for the outer side. These convex portions 91 are opposed to a receiving surface 92 formed of a flat wall surface formed on the base 37 which is a fixed portion with a predetermined interval. The convex portion 91 and the receiving surface 92 constitute a stopper that delimits the movement limit of the imaging element holding portion to one side in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 29, these two stoppers are provided on both sides of the center line 95 of the driving force by the horizontal driving unit composed of the horizontal driving magnets 52 and 63 and the horizontal driving coil 15, and the driving force. The distances a and b from the central axis 95 are provided at substantially equal positions. Each convex portion 91 is curved in the optical axis direction, and is in point contact with the receiving surface 92 in the optical axis direction.

  According to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 28, 29, and 30, when the image sensor holding unit reaches the movement limit to one side in the X-axis direction, the two convex portions 91 abut on the receiving surfaces 92. The movement of the image sensor holding unit is restricted. A reaction force is generated in the FPC 14 along with the movement of the image sensor holding unit, and a rotational moment about the axis orthogonal to the optical axis, that is, the X axis or the Y axis is generated in the image sensor holding unit and the image sensor substantially integral therewith. However, each convex portion 91 is curved in the optical axis direction, and is in point contact with the receiving surface 92 in the optical axis direction, so that the convex portion 91 faces the receiving surface 92 by the rotational moment. Even if the position fluctuates, the contact position of the convex portion 91 with respect to the receiving surface 92 in the X-axis direction does not fluctuate. Therefore, since there is no position detection error of the image sensor holding unit and no erroneous command is issued to the control device, the accuracy of image blur correction is increased. Incidentally, the position of the image sensor holding unit is detected using, for example, a Hall element, and the amount of movement of the image sensor holding unit during image blur correction is controlled based on this detection signal.

  FIG. 47 schematically shows that there is no position detection error. In FIG. 47, the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction, reference numeral 111 denotes a convex portion, and 120 denotes a receiving surface. The convex part 111 has drawn the circular arc in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 47A shows a state in which the image sensor holding unit rotates around an axis in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis, and FIG. 47B shows a state in which the image sensor holding unit does not rotate. In any state, the contact position between the convex portion 111 and the receiving surface 120 does not change, and the designed movable range and the actual movable range as described with reference to FIG. 46 do not differ. As a result, the accuracy of image blur correction is not reduced.

  In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30, the convex portions 91 are located on both sides of the central axis 95 of the driving force by the horizontal driving unit and approximately equidistant from the central axis 95 of the driving force. Therefore, both the convex portions 91 simultaneously contact the receiving portion 92 and the position thereof is restricted, and the rotation amount of the image sensor holding portion due to the position restriction can be reduced. Accordingly, the position detection error of the image sensor holding unit can be reduced, and the accuracy of image blur correction can be increased.

  As shown in FIG. 30, when the total length in the Y-axis direction of the moving frame 1 as the image sensor holding unit is L1, and the distance in the Y-axis direction between the centers of the both convex portions 91 is L2, L2 is Set to 1/4 or more of L1. This is because when L1 is ¼ or more of L1, the above-described effect obtained by dividing the convex portion 91 into a plurality of portions can be obtained effectively.

  28 to 30, only the stopper on one side in the X-axis direction is shown, but a stopper is also provided on the other side in the X-axis direction. Since the stopper on the other side can also be configured in the same manner as the stopper on the one side, description thereof is omitted.

Next, various modifications of the third embodiment will be described.
The modification shown in FIG. 31 is obtained by reversing the positions where the convex portions and the receiving portions are provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. That is, the convex portion 94 is formed on the base 37 side as a fixed portion, and the receiving portion 93 is provided on the base 100 of the movable frame 1 as an image sensor holding portion. As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, two stoppers including the convex portion 94 and the receiving portion 93 are provided on one side in the X-axis direction, and two stoppers are provided on the other side in the X-axis direction. Each convex portion 94 is provided curved in the optical axis direction.
Also in the example shown in FIG. 31, the same operational effects as the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Still another modification of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 is shown in FIGS. 32 to 35. This modification has the same configuration except for the shape of the protrusions in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 31 to 35, the convex portion 96 is curved both in the Z-axis direction, which is the optical axis direction, and in the X-axis direction. The radius in the Z-axis direction is large, the radius in the X-axis direction is small, and a shape of a part of an elliptical ball is cut off. The convex portion 96 faces a flat receiving portion 92 formed on the base which is a fixed portion.
Also in this modification, the same operation and effect as the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  Still another modification of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 is shown in FIGS. This modification differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 only in that the convex portion 97 constituting the stopper has a hemispherical shape, and the other configuration is the same. The convex portion 97 in this example is also curved in the optical axis direction. Also in this modification, the same operation and effect as the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  Still another modification of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 is shown in FIGS. In this modified example, the convex portion 98 constituting the stopper has a cylindrical shape at the upper end portion of the base 100 of the movable frame 1 as the image sensor holding portion, and the central axis of the cylinder is perpendicular to the optical axis and is horizontal. It differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 in that it is formed in the direction. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. By forming such a protrusion 98, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the position detection error of the image sensor holding unit.

  The above-described effects are schematically shown in FIG. FIG. 48A shows a state where the image sensor holding unit is rotated, and FIG. 48B shows a state where it is not rotated. Reference numeral 112 denotes a convex part corresponding to the convex part 98, and 120 denotes a receiving surface facing the convex part 112. Regardless of whether the convex 112 rotates with the image sensor holding portion or not, the contact position between the convex 112 and the receiving surface 120 does not change. The movable range of is no longer different. As a result, the accuracy of image blur correction is not reduced.

  Still another modification of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 is shown in FIGS. In this modification, the convex portion 102 constituting the stopper has a hemispherical shape at the upper end portion of the base 100 of the movable frame 1 serving as the image sensor holding portion, and is extremely small at the upper end portion of the convex portion 102 forming surface 101. The other configurations are the same except that the portions are different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. This convex portion 102 also has the same effect as described with reference to FIG. Also, the modified examples shown in FIGS. 42 to 44 have the same operational effects as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 to 44 relates to the configuration of the stopper that defines the limit of movement of the image sensor holding unit in the X-axis direction, but the image sensor holding unit also moves in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a stopper that delimits the movement limit in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 45 shows an example of convex portions constituting a stopper in the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 45, the movable frame 1 serving as the image sensor holding portion is provided with convex portions 105 at two positions on both ends in the Y direction, facing outward in the Y direction. The distance between the two convex portions 105 at both ends in the Y direction is equal to 1 / of the total length of the movable frame 1 in the X direction, similarly to the arrangement example of the convex portions that restrict the movement of the movable frame 1 in the X axis direction. It is longer than 4. Two convex portions 105 on the upper end side in the Y-axis direction are on the outer surface of the ball position restricting portions 5 and 15 of the movable frame 1, and one convex portion 105 on the lower end side in the Y-axis direction is on the outer surface of the ball position restricting portion 10. Another convex portion 105 is provided at an appropriate position of the movable frame 1.
Each of the convex portions 105 is opposed to a flat receiving surface formed on the base 37 as a fixed portion. When the convex portion 105 hits the receiving surface, the movable frame 1 is moved in the Y direction by image blur correction. The limit is set.

  The above-described example shown in FIG. 45 can be modified in the same manner as the various modifications described with respect to the examples shown in FIGS. For example, the convex portion may be provided on the fixed portion side and the receiving surface may be provided on the movable frame 1 side. Further, the shape of the convex portion may be changed to a spherical surface, an elliptical spherical surface, a cylindrical surface, or the like as in the above-described various modifications.

  According to the third embodiment, an FPC that has one end connected to the image sensor and the other end connected to a control unit and transmits image data output by the image sensor to the control unit is provided. Forming a receiving surface composed of a convex portion and a flat surface facing the convex portion on the imaging element holding portion and the fixing portion, respectively, and configured to limit a moving range of the imaging element holding portion with respect to the fixing portion; If the convex portion is curved in the optical axis direction, when the movement of the image sensor is restricted at the movement limit of the image sensor for image blur correction, the rotation of the image sensor due to the reaction force of the FPC and the like is effectively prevented. It is possible to regulate and prevent a reduction in image blur correction accuracy.

The image blur correction apparatus according to the present invention described above can be incorporated in a lens barrel that can be assembled in various cameras. Further, by incorporating this lens barrel into various imaging devices such as a digital camera and a video camera, an imaging device with an image blur correction device can be configured.
The image shake correction apparatus according to the present invention also constitutes a portable information terminal with an image shake correction apparatus by incorporating it into various portable information terminals such as a mobile phone with camera, a portable game machine with camera, and a PDA with camera. be able to.

1 Movable frame (movable part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Image pick-up element 4 Vertical drive coil 5 Ball movement control part 8 Shaft fixing member 9 Intermediate shaft 10 Ball movement control part 15 Horizontal drive coil 16 Ball movement control part 17 Leaf spring 25 Shaft fixing member 29 Cam member 33 Cam member 37 Base (fixed) Part)
38 Ball receiving plate 39 Ball receiving plate 41 Ball receiving plate 45 Imaging element fixing frame 48 Horizontal axis 49 Horizontal axis 50 Spring 51 Vertical drive magnet 52 Horizontal drive magnet 58 Spherical member (ball)
59 Spherical member (ball)
61 Spherical member (ball)
62 Vertical drive magnet 63 Horizontal drive magnet 65 Vertical position detection magnet 66 Vertical position detection magnetic sensor 67 Horizontal position detection magnet 68 Horizontal position detection magnetic sensor 70 Rotation restricting member 71 Shaft support portion 72 Shaft support portion 73 Shaft hole 76 Magnet 78 Magnetic plate 79 Magnet 80 Magnetic plate 85 Center position correction locking lever 95 Center axis of driving force

Japanese Patent No. 3969927 JP 2006-350157 A JP 2008-77047 A JP 2008-191266 A

Claims (26)

An image shake correction apparatus that includes an image pickup optical system and an image pickup element that converts a subject image derived from the image pickup optical system into an electric signal, and that corrects image shake by moving the image pickup element,
A fixed part;
An image sensor holding unit that holds the image sensor and moves with the image sensor in a predetermined plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the image pickup optical system;
A position restricting portion for restricting the position of the image pickup optical system of the image pickup device holding portion in the optical axis direction;
A guide unit for guiding the image sensor holding unit so as to be movable within a predetermined plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optical system;
A drive unit that applies a biasing force to the image sensor holding unit,
The guide unit is provided in the first direction moving unit supported by the fixed unit so as to be movable along only a first direction within the predetermined plane, and the first direction moving unit, and the imaging unit A second direction guide portion that guides the element holding portion movably along a second direction in the predetermined plane,
The position restricting portion includes at least three or more spherical members sandwiched between the imaging element holding portion or the first direction moving portion and the fixed portion, and within the predetermined plane of each of the spherical members. And at least three or more moving range restricting sections that restrict the moving range of
The image blur correction device, wherein the image sensor holding unit includes an inclination adjusting unit that holds the tilt of the image sensor with respect to an optical axis in a changeable manner.   The image sensor holding unit moves together with the first direction moving unit in the first direction and is movable relative to the first direction moving unit in the second direction. Item 2. The image blur correction device according to Item 1. One of the fixed part and the first direction moving part includes a first guide shaft arranged along the first direction,
The other of the fixed portion and the first direction moving portion includes a first guide shaft support portion that supports the first guide shaft,
The first direction moving part includes a second guide shaft arranged along the second direction,
The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image sensor holding unit includes a second guide shaft support unit that supports the second guide shaft. Three spherical members are provided,
Including three moving range restricting sections;
Provided with a locking portion for locking the imaging element holding portion when it comes in contact with the imaging element holding portion and is provided so as to be able to approach and leave the imaging element holding portion;
4. The image blur correction according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion and the imaging element holding portion are in contact with each other in a triangle formed by connecting the centers of the movement range regulation portions with straight lines. 5. apparatus.   The tilt adjustment mechanism includes a movable frame movable in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the fixed portion, and the imaging element holding portion held by the movable frame at three points, and among the three points One point is a fulcrum, and the other two points are variable in position. The two variable points are in contact with the position adjusting means by an urging force, and the position of the image sensor holding unit is adjusted by adjusting the position adjusting means. The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein tilt adjustment is possible.   Between the fixed part and the image sensor holding part, a plurality of magnets, a plurality of spherical members made of a magnetic material, and a plurality of magnetic plates are used. The magnets, the spherical members, and the magnetic plates are acted on. The image blur correction device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of magnetic urging units that attract the fixing unit and the image sensor holding unit to each other with a magnetic attraction force.   The image blur correction device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit includes a driving coil provided in the imaging element holding unit and a magnet provided in the fixing unit so as to face the driving coil.   8. The image blur correction device according to claim 7, wherein the drive coil and the magnet facing the drive coil include two sets of drive coils and magnets that generate driving force in two directions orthogonal to each other. An image blur correction apparatus that corrects image blur by moving an image sensor,
A fixed part;
A movable part holding the image sensor;
A drive unit that urges the movable unit with respect to the fixed unit and moves the movable unit in a plane parallel to the surface of the imaging element;
A plurality of spherical members interposed between the fixed portion and the movable portion and supporting the movable portion movably in a plane perpendicular to the lens optical axis with respect to the fixed portion;
An image shake correction apparatus comprising: a rotation restricting member that moves in one direction together with the movable part and moves only in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction to restrict the rotation of the movable part.   The rotation restricting member is provided so as to be movable in one direction together with the movable portion along an axis provided in the fixed portion, and includes an intermediate shaft in a direction in which the movable portion moves independently. The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movable portion is configured to move independently along the axis.   The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a direction in which the movable unit moves independently is a vertical direction.   The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movable unit includes an inclination adjustment unit that holds the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis in a changeable manner.   In the tilt adjustment mechanism, the image sensor holding unit is held at three points on the movable frame, one of the three points is a fulcrum, and the other two points are variable in position. The image blur correction device according to claim 12, wherein the two variable points abut on the position adjusting unit by an urging force, and the inclination of the image sensor holding unit can be adjusted by adjusting the position adjusting unit.   Between the fixed part and the movable part, there are a plurality of magnets, a plurality of spherical members made of a magnetic material, and a plurality of magnetic plates. The magnets, the spherical members, and the magnetism acting on the magnetic plates The image blur correction device according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of magnetic urging units that attract the fixed portion and the movable portion to each other with an attractive force.   The image according to claim 9, wherein the movable part and the rotation restricting member are provided with a spherical member movement restricting part that restricts a movement range of the spherical member by being fitted around the spherical member with a space therebetween. Shake correction device.   The spherical member movement restricting portion provided in the rotation restricting member has a thickness smaller than the diameter of the spherical member interposed between the fixed portion and the movable portion, and spatially surrounds the spherical member. The image blur correction device according to claim 15, wherein the image blur correction device surrounds with a margin.   The image blur correction device according to claim 9, wherein an imaging element fixing frame is attached to the movable portion, and the imaging element is fixed to the imaging element fixing frame.   18. An image blur according to claim 17, wherein an angle adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting an angle of the image sensor fixing frame with respect to a plane orthogonal to an optical axis is interposed between the movable part and the image sensor fixing frame. Correction device.   The image blur correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a photographing lens barrel is fixed to the fixed portion so as to surround the movable portion.   The image blur correction according to claim 15, wherein the spherical member movement restricting portion provided in the rotation restricting member is formed in a portion protruding radially outward from the main body of the rotation restricting member when viewed from the lens optical axis direction. apparatus.   The image blur correction device according to claim 15, wherein the spherical member movement restricting portion provided in the rotation restricting member is formed in a main body portion of the rotation restricting member. A flexible circuit board having one end connected to the image sensor and the other end connected to a control unit and transmitting image data output by the image sensor to the control unit;
A receiving surface having a convex portion on one side of the imaging element holding portion and the fixing portion and a receiving surface made of a plane facing the convex portion on the other side is formed to limit a moving range of the imaging element holding portion with respect to the fixing portion. ,
The image blur correction device according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is curved in the optical axis direction.   Combinations of the convex portions formed on the imaging element holding portion and the fixed portion and a receiving surface composed of a flat surface facing the convex portions are provided at a plurality of locations across the central axis of the driving force by the driving portion. The image blur correction device according to claim 22.   24. A lens barrel provided with an image blur correction device that corrects an image blur by moving an image sensor, wherein the image blur correction device is a lens barrel according to claim 1.   The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the image shake correction apparatus is an image pickup apparatus including an image shake correction apparatus that corrects an image shake by moving an image pickup element.   The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the portable information terminal includes an image blur correction device that corrects an image blur by moving an image pickup device.

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